The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most iconic places to get married in Ireland and are particularly popular with couples traveling from the USA and Canada for an intimate destination wedding or elopement.
But planning a Cliffs of Moher wedding involves more than simply choosing a date and arriving at the cliffs.
Where should you actually have your ceremony? Can you avoid the crowds? Can Americans and Canadians legally marry there? What happens if it rains? And how much does a Cliffs of Moher wedding cost?
Here are some of the most important things to know.
Can you get married at the Cliffs of Moher?Yes. Couples can have both intimate weddings and elopements at the Cliffs of Moher.
The cliffs work particularly well for smaller weddings because the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and surrounding Irish landscape provide such an incredible natural backdrop that very little decoration is needed.
However, where you have your ceremony makes a huge difference to the experience.
Where is the best place to get married at the Cliffs of Moher?Our Cliffs of Moher ceremonies take place at Hags Head, at the quieter southern end of the cliffs.
This is very different from having your ceremony beside the busy main Cliffs of Moher visitor area.
Hags Head is approximately a 60-minute walk from the main visitor site and is generally much quieter.
Our couples don't have to make that walk.
Our Cliffs of Moher packages include private drive-up access close to the clifftop ceremony location, making it considerably easier when wearing wedding attire or bringing guests.
It means you can have the famous Cliffs of Moher scenery without trying to exchange your vows surrounded by large groups of tourists.
Is a Cliffs of Moher wedding private?The Hags Head ceremony location has private access and is away from the main tourist site.
Only one Eloping in Ireland ceremony is scheduled at the location at a time.
The wider area is still accessible to the public, so it wouldn't be accurate to describe any outdoor section of the Cliffs of Moher as completely private. However, Hags Head is typically extremely peaceful compared with the main visitor area.
For an intimate wedding or elopement, that can make an enormous difference.
Can you legally get married at the Cliffs of Moher?Yes. It is possible to have a legally recognized wedding at the Cliffs of Moher, provided the ceremony and location meet Ireland's legal marriage requirements.
For a legal marriage, couples need to complete the required Irish marriage notification process and have their ceremony performed by a registered solemnizer.
Two witnesses aged 18 or older are also required for a legal marriage. If you're eloping completely alone, witnesses can be arranged. Check out our guide to getting legally married in Ireland
here.
Alternatively, couples can legally marry at home and have a symbolic ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher.
A symbolic ceremony can still include personal vows, rings, readings, music, and traditions such as Celtic handfasting.
Can Americans and Canadians get married at the Cliffs of Moher?Yes.
You don't need to be an Irish citizen or resident to legally marry in Ireland.
Couples regularly travel from the United States and Canada to get married at the Cliffs of Moher, but the required Irish marriage procedures and documentation still need to be completed.
For couples planning from overseas, it's important to start the legal process well in advance rather than leaving the paperwork until shortly before traveling.
What happens if it rains?This is one of the most important questions to ask when planning an outdoor wedding in Ireland!
Irish weather can change quickly at any time of year.
Every Eloping in Ireland Cliffs of Moher package includes access to an indoor backup ceremony location at the cliffs access point.
If conditions aren't suitable for an outdoor ceremony, you can move the ceremony indoors rather than having to find a last-minute alternative.
That doesn't necessarily mean missing out on your Cliffs of Moher photographs either.
If conditions improve later, you can still head onto the cliffs with your photographer.
How much does a Cliffs of Moher wedding cost?- Simply Us – €3,500
- Signature – €4,600
- Epic Cliffs & Pub Celebration – €5,650
- Ultimate – €6,550
The Simply Us package is designed for couples eloping alone and includes the ceremony, location fee, private clifftop access, indoor weather backup, celebrant, Celtic handfasting, and two hours of professional photography.
More comprehensive packages can include hair and makeup, flowers, videography, traditional Irish ceremony music, chauffeur transportation, and other services.
The Epic Cliffs & Pub Celebration combines the ceremony with something many couples traveling to Ireland love — a traditional Irish pub celebration afterward. Check out all of our Cliffs of Moher packages
here.
Can you bring guests to a Cliffs of Moher wedding?Yes.
Some couples elope completely alone, while others bring a small group of family and friends.
The Cliffs of Moher are particularly well suited to small destination weddings rather than large traditional weddings.
If you're imagining 10, 15, 20, or 30 people traveling to Ireland with you, an intimate cliff ceremony followed by dinner or an Irish pub celebration can be a fantastic alternative to a large wedding at home.
When is the best time of year to get married at the Cliffs of Moher?There isn't one perfect month.
Spring and summer offer longer daylight hours, fall can bring beautiful light and landscapes, while winter can create dramatic skies and a wild Atlantic atmosphere.
Most importantly, summer does not guarantee a dry wedding day in Ireland.
It's usually better to choose the season you would most enjoy visiting Ireland and make sure you have a reliable weather backup.
Where should you stay for a Cliffs of Moher wedding?Doolin and Liscannor are among the most convenient places to stay.
Doolin is particularly popular because it offers accommodation, restaurants, traditional Irish pubs, and easy access to the surrounding County Clare countryside.
There are options ranging from cottages and B&Bs to boutique hotels and larger properties for couples traveling with guests. Check out our recommended places to stay near the Cliffs of Moher
here.
Can you have a reception after a Cliffs of Moher wedding?Absolutely.
A small wedding doesn't mean you have to skip the celebration afterward.
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- A private or semi-private dining area
- A traditional Irish pub celebration
- Drinks and Irish music
- A relaxed meal with family and friends
- A romantic dinner for just the two of you
For many destination couples, combining an incredible outdoor ceremony with a relaxed Irish pub or restaurant afterward is exactly the experience they're looking for.
Planning a Cliffs of Moher wedding from the USA or CanadaYou don't need to travel to Ireland for a separate planning trip before your wedding.
Most arrangements can be made while you're still at home, including your ceremony location, photographer, celebrant, flowers, hair and makeup, transportation, weather backup, reception options, and other details.
If you're having a legally binding ceremony, you'll also need to complete the required Irish marriage process and the necessary in-person steps when you arrive in Ireland.
We've put together a more comprehensive guide covering everything from Hags Head and private access to legal marriage requirements, weather, costs, packages, accommodation, guests, photography, and planning from overseas.
Read the complete guide to getting married at the Cliffs of MoherIf your idea of getting married in Ireland involves standing above the Atlantic Ocean with the Cliffs of Moher stretching into the distance behind you, it's difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting.
Love from Ireland,
Stephen & Roisin
Eloping in IrelandE-mail:
hello@elopinginireland.ieCall toll-free: 1-800-481-4055 (USA & Canada only)
Text toll-free: 1-833-210-7193 (USA & Canada only)